The Scottish actor, best known for playing profane, constantly enraged spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in Armando Iannucci's acclaimed UK series "The Thick of It" and its spin-off film "In the Loop," was unveiled as the latest inheritor of the lead role in "Doctor Who" today by BBC and BBC America in a live, televised announcement.

The Scottish actor, best known for playing profane, constantly enraged spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in Armando Iannucci's acclaimed UK series "The Thick of It" and its spin-off film "In the Loop," was unveiled as the latest inheritor of the coveted lead role in "Doctor Who" today by BBC and BBC America in a live, televised announcement.

Capaldi will take over for Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith, who played the part for three years and who leaves the show on Christmas. "Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started," said Capaldi in the announcement, with showrunner Steven Moffat adding, "It's an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS!"

Capaldi has actually appeared on the series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, before in 2008, playing Caecilius in the episode "The Fires of Pompeii." Capaldi will film his first scenes as the Doctor this fall, and will hopefully be the most foul-mouthed incarnation of the character to date. Here's a look at some of the actor's finest moments as Malcolm Tucker: